New Jersey lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make obtaining a driver’s license easier for undocumented immigrants. It would create “two categories of driver’s licenses and identification cards.” Residents unable to prove lawful residence in the U.S. would be allowed to receive permits and standard driver’s licenses or identification cards. Should illegal immigrants in New Jersey be able to receive a driver's license under any circumstances? In the essays below, state Sen. Christopher Connors argues they should not. Frank Argote-Freyre, director of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey, presents the case for allowing it.

Granting licenses to undocumented

will encourage others to break the law

By Christopher Connors

America is a nation of laws, which include clear pathways for lawful immigration. We shouldn’t provide the various benefits of citizenship and legal residency, including a driver’s license, to those who have broken our laws with their very first, illegal step into this country.

Doing so would undermine our society by encouraging others to break the law as well. It also would send the wrong message to legal residents and citizens who play by the rules and fulfill their obligations every day, including paying taxes.

That’s why I started an online petition with Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove, my partners in the 9th Legislative District, to oppose legislation (S-3229/A-4743) that would allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses in New Jersey.

After news of the legislation to implement Gov. Murphy’s plan was first publicized several weeks ago, our office was contacted by a flood of people who found the proposal to be beyond the pale, even for Trenton.

Based on the feedback our legislative office has received, we’re confident that the governor’s goal of turning New Jersey into a sanctuary state — and failing to support enforcement of our federal immigration laws — is something that most New Jerseyans do not support.

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Cosecha, a grassroots advocacy group of immigrants, welcomes walkers to Red Bank. The activists are participating in a 300 mile walk to show support for legislation that would offer driver's licenses to unauthorized immigrants, among others.
Red Bank, NJ
Thursday, June 7, 2018
@dhoodhood
(Photo: Doug Hood )

A large segment of our constituency believes, as do we, that providing the privilege of a driver’s license to those in the country illegally would all but solidify New Jersey’s status as a sanctuary state.

We’re concerned that Murphy and the Democratic majorities in the Legislature will try to enact this proposal quickly to limit the opportunity for dissent. We don’t believe that’s how our legislative process should work.

Our petition is designed to give the residents of our district, and everyone in New Jersey, the opportunity to have their voices heard on this matter.

In just two weeks, nearly 20,000 people have registered their concerns by signing. How many more must join this movement before the power brokers in Trenton will take notice?

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Sen. Christopher Connors.(Photo: STAFF PHOTO BY THOMAS P. COSTELLO)

To be sure, driver’s licenses are a small part of a much broader immigration agenda that’s being pushed by Murphy that has people concerned.

They don’t understand how the governor could sign a state budget that pays $2.1 million for the legal fees of illegal aliens facing deportation, while simultaneously cutting aid to many of our local schools, which will drive property taxes higher in our communities.

They’re concerned by the law he signed extending eligibility for state college tuition assistance to undocumented residents, especially when the pool of money in our financial aid program is already limited.

Let’s not forget that New Jersey already offers in-state tuition rates to illegal aliens living in New Jersey. Consider that a veteran residing just across the river in Pennsylvania must pay full price to attend one of our state schools.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says it automatically extended work authorizations for TPS holders. But that hasn't kept some with TPS from being fired or denied driver's licenses.(Photo: Brazzo, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In their totality, these policies represent an outrageous demonstration of misplaced priorities that will only serve to draw more illegal aliens to New Jersey. Quite simply, Murphy is ringing the dinner bell, and he plans on leaving legal, taxpaying residents with the check.

New Jersey already can’t afford to fully fund schools, pensions, or roads, and the threat of more tax increases looms every year. How can we justify the significant new expenditures associated with implementing the Governor’s expensive progressive agenda?

In light of these concerns, the people of New Jersey are right to be angry that they are being ignored, yet again, by politicians in Trenton.

Seniors and countless others across the state haven’t forgotten the hell they went through trying to get their licenses renewed after the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission instituted the 6-Point ID system several years ago. Many were forced to jump through hoops in an effort to comply with the law.

We know the extreme challenges they faced. Our office helped hundreds of constituents who were rejected due to minor spelling errors on their documents or questions about the validity of decades-old birth certificates. Many of our seniors risked the loss of their ability to live independently as a result.

That leaves us with several questions:

• Will the NJMVC be as strict when issuing driver’s licenses to illegals, or will they be given another pass from complying with our laws?

• What additional resources will be required to process an influx of driver’s license applications, and at what cost to taxpayers?

• Will state policy require MVC staff to have a driver’s license in one hand and a voter registration application in the other?

There are too many concerns being brushed under the rug, and too many questions left unanswered. We must say ‘no’ to Murphy’s effort to give New Jersey driver’s licenses to illegal aliens.

Christopher Connors is a Republican state senator whose 9th Legislative District includes municipalities in Ocean, Burlington and Atlantic counties.

Providing licenses for undocumented

will improve safety, raise revenue

Frank Argote-Freyre

Opponents of recently introduced legislation to allow the issuance of two types of driver's licenses in New Jersey will argue that it is all about illegal immigration.

Do not believe them.

In December, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano and state Sen. Joseph Vitale introduced bills [A4743/S3229] that would bring the state into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005 that turns driver's licenses essentially into national identification cards. These licenses allow holders to use them for airline travel across the nation or to enter federal facilities such as military bases.

But, the Quijano/Vitale legislation would also permit those not interested in a national identification card to apply for a standard license. The list of individuals able to apply for the standard license includes undocumented immigrants, but is certainly not limited to them.

Those who advocate granting driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants say it will make the roads in New Jersey safer because they will be required to obtain insurance as a condition of getting a license.(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/Indystar)

For well over a decade, I have advocated for various permutations of a driving privilege card that would not only benefit undocumented immigrants but victims of spousal abuse and the recently incarcerated not to mention those worried about the ever-expanding intrusion of government into every aspect of their lives.

There are a lot of sound public policy reasons for allowing all of the above to gain a driver’s license but inevitably some folks want to drown that out by focusing on the national train wreck that is immigration policy. The recent government shutdown over a border wall provides clear evidence that this Congress and President Trump cannot even agree on a lunch menu, never mind comprehensive immigration reform.

The fact is that the latest immigration crisis can be traced to the mid-1990s and the implementation of the much-maligned, now defunct North American Free Trade Agreement. The impact of the treaty was not only to displace hundreds of thousands of American workers whose jobs moved south of the border but it also dislodged millions of Mexicans from their farms when U.S. agricultural companies undercut corn and wheat prices in the Mexican marketplace. Millions fled here and many stayed and raised families and contributed to the culture and economy of the nation. Never mind our repeated interventions in Central America that have fostered instability and encouraged people to come here.

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Silvia Martinez was one of scores of unauthorized immigrants and allies who packed the Snyder Academy in Elizabeth on Jan. 11, 2017, for the launch of the "Let's Drive NJ" campaign. The initiative pushes for a law that allows immigrants, regardless of status, to apply for a driver's license.
Steph Solis

But, enough of that. This is not all about immigration. It is about public safety on our roads. Driver's licenses, permitted by the proposed legislation, would establish a uniform standard of driving competence and require all vehicle operators to purchase insurance, a public safety bonanza for the state. The sale of licenses would also generate revenue for New Jersey.

Hundreds of thousands of folks are driving on New Jersey highways because they must do so to support their families. According to New Jersey Policy Perspective, about 464,000 New Jersey residents would benefit from a change in the law. Rough math indicates the standard licenses that cost $18 a person could generate more than $8 million in revenue for the Motor Vehicle Commission. The financial benefits don’t end there because the new drivers would buy an estimated 84,000 cars, generating additional income for the state economy and government. The impact on public safety, however, would be priceless.

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New Jersey Assemblywoman Annette Quijano speaks during a Mayoral Roundtable on expanding access to driver's licenses to more residents at Brighton Avenue Community Center in Perth Amboy. July 19, 2018. Perth Amboy, New Jersey Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

New Jersey Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez speaks during a Mayoral Roundtable on expanding access to driver's licenses to more residents at Brighton Avenue Community Center in Perth Amboy. July 19, 2018. Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, Johanna Calle speaks during a Mayoral Roundtable on expanding access to driver's licenses to more residents at Brighton Avenue Community Center in Perth Amboy. July 19, 2018. Perth Amboy, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

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New Jerseyans, perhaps more than in other parts of the country, suffer as a result of the state’s disjointed mass transit system. It is a suburban state, so getting from one place to another without a car can be a frustrating and circuitous process. Some folks that cannot get a driver’s license opt for bicycles and can be seen crossing major highways across our state on a daily basis at great risk to themselves and motorists.

This is no longer a cutting-edge idea but rather a well-tested and successful public policy. Twelve states, in addition to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, have passed similar legislation. These states run the political gamut from the progressive mecca of California to more politically conservative states such as Utah and Colorado in addition to close neighbors such as Delaware and Maryland.

And, for those who argue that the standard licenses could be used for voter fraud and to access other government benefits, they need to know that these licenses will not look the same as REAL ID licenses. They will serve only one purpose: To allow a person to drive a motor vehicle.

A recent public poll in New Jersey, conducted by Clarity Campaign Labs, shows that residents of all political persuasions are warming to this common-sense approach. It found that 54 percent of all voters support the ideas set forth in the proposed legislation.

Gov. Murphy and Senate President Steve Sweeney have voiced enthusiastic support for the bill. The main obstacle to passage is Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin who remains non-committal about placing the bill on the legislative calendar for a vote.

Advocates across New Jersey hope Coughlin will reconsider before the legislation becomes a political football exploited by those seeking to sacrifice public safety for a campaign issue.

Frank Argote-Freyre is director of the Latino Coalition of New Jersey and an associate professor of Latin American history at Kean University.